What to do if you are visiting the doctor’s office

A doctor using a tablet
Photo credit Ridofranz/Getty Images

KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross. 

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor 
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Doctor’s offices and hospital-owned doctor’s offices have been opening up throughout the country and they are trying to be as safe as possible.
Telehealth is still amazing and the safest option — we all need to fight hard that it never goes away. It’s a major tool for so many people and needs to be supported from now on, but there is still a need for in person visits. 

Here is my advice: treat a visit to the doctor's office much the same way as choosing a daycare. 

Ask for specific information, such as will anyone be in the waiting room, or if they are in the waiting room, how much social distancing. You can also ask if staff has been reduced. If it is reduced, who is bringing you back to the exam room?

Also, ask how the areas are disinfected. 

Most doctor's offices are taking these steps, but the process is new and providers are learning. 

Perfect is the enemy of good, but with COVID-19, good is not enough.